JP2013248988A - Sub headlight unit and sub headlight system for use in vehicle that leans into turns, and vehicle that leans into turns - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to suppress a driver from feeling uncomfortable with a change in an illumination range in a process in which a plurality of sub headlights are sequentially turned on as a lean angle of a vehicle body increases or decreases.
Sub-headlight units 13L, 13R for a vehicle turning in a lean attitude, wherein the sub-headlight units 13L, 13R are outward and forward in the vehicle width direction on one side in the vehicle width direction. A plurality of sub headlight light sources for illuminating the vehicle, each of the plurality of sub headlight light sources moving downward from a position in the upright state of the vehicle as the vehicle is tilted from the upright state to the one side. The sub headlight light source that is lit in accordance with a different lean angle of the vehicle to the one side and has a large lean angle of the vehicle when lit is a lean of the vehicle when lit It is located at a higher position in the upright state of the vehicle than the sub headlight light source having a small corner.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a sub headlight unit and a sub headlight system for a vehicle that turns in a lean attitude, and a vehicle that turns in a lean attitude.

  In general, in a vehicle that turns in a lean position (for example, a saddle type vehicle such as a motorcycle, a tricycle, a snowmobile, or an ATV (all terrain vehicle)), a centrifugal force that acts on the vehicle body when cornering or turning an intersection In order to counter this, the driver moves the weight of the driver along with the steering wheel operation. As a result, the vehicle turns in a posture inclined to the inside of the curve (hereinafter also referred to as “lean posture”). On the other hand, in a vehicle that does not turn in a lean position such as an automobile, the driver operates the steering wheel during cornering or when turning an intersection, and turns while receiving centrifugal force acting on the vehicle body. Therefore, in a vehicle that does not turn in a lean position, the vehicle body tilts to the outside of the curve due to centrifugal force.

  Further, in a vehicle that turns in a lean position, the vehicle body turns more actively because the driver's own weight shift is actively used. On the other hand, in a vehicle that does not turn in a lean position, the vehicle body tilts outside the curve due to centrifugal force. The degree of this inclination varies depending on the traveling speed of the vehicle and the size (radius) of the curve, but the inclination of the vehicle body is not used for turning. In a vehicle that does not turn in a lean position, it is preferable that the inclination to the outside of the curve due to centrifugal force is small.

  In this way, when cornering or turning at an intersection, a vehicle that turns in a lean position leans relatively large on the inside of the curve, while in a vehicle that does not turn in a lean position, the body is relatively small outside the curve. Tilt.

  Normally, a vehicle has a plurality of lights regardless of whether or not the vehicle turns in a lean position. The light mainly includes a light for securing the field of view of the driver of the vehicle, and a light for mainly causing the surrounding vehicle or the like to recognize the presence of the own vehicle. The headlight is a light mainly for securing the field of view of the driver of the vehicle, and is generally configured to be able to switch between a high beam (traveling headlight) and a low beam (passing headlight). Yes.

  The high beam irradiates light horizontally (upward), so it is possible to secure a far field of view, but in general, there are no vehicles in front at night to prevent dazzling of surrounding vehicle drivers. Used under circumstances. On the other hand, since a low beam irradiates light downward, it is used also in the situation where a vehicle etc. exists ahead. For this reason, the vehicle usually travels with the low beam turned on.

  When a vehicle turning in a lean position is traveling on a straight road, the illumination range of the headlight light source (low beam) is uniformly spread left and right forward in the traveling direction below the horizontal plane including the headlight light source. . However, when a vehicle turning in a lean position travels on the left curve, the vehicle travels with the vehicle body tilted to the left, so that the illumination range of the headlight light source is lowered to the left. As a result, the traveling lane is irradiated with a point on the nearer side, and the illumination range inside the curve in the forward direction in the course direction is reduced.

  Therefore, as a headlight, in addition to the main headlight that illuminates the front of the vehicle, a plurality of sub headlights arranged in a substantially V shape are provided in front of the vehicle, and the lean angle of the vehicle (based on the upright state) A vehicle is proposed in which sub headlights provided on the side opposite to the lean direction of the vehicle are lit in order from the lower side with an increase in the inclination angle of the vehicle body toward the inside of the curve (Patent Document 1). In the vehicle of Patent Document 1, for example, when the sub headlight located on the lowermost side is turned on and the sub headlight located on the lower side is turned on next, the sub headlight located on the lowermost side is turned off. To do. In this way, the sub headlights to be lit are switched in order from the lower side. In the vehicle shown in Patent Document 1, when each sub headlight is turned on, the illumination range by the light source is newly added, so that the reduction of the illumination range due to the inclination of the vehicle can be suppressed.

JP 2009-120057 A

  However, in the vehicle shown in Patent Document 1, in the process in which the plurality of sub headlights are sequentially turned on as the lean angle increases or decreases, the driver may feel uncomfortable with the change in the illumination range.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to enable the driver to change the illumination range in the process in which the plurality of sub headlights are sequentially turned on as the lean angle of the vehicle body increases or decreases. It is to suppress feeling uncomfortable.

  In view of the above-described problems, the present inventor has intensively studied and obtained the following knowledge.

(I) In the vehicle in Patent Document 1, a plurality of sub headlight light sources arranged on the side opposite to the lean direction are sequentially turned on from the lower side as the lean angle increases.
Since the trajectory of the movement of the sub headlight light source in a front view of the vehicle according to the change in the lean angle of the vehicle is an arc, a plurality of sub heads arranged on the opposite side of the lean direction when the vehicle tilts from an upright state First, the light source moves upward. As the lean angle increases, the upward movement width of the sub headlight light source decreases, reaches the highest position, and then moves downward. However, in the vicinity of the highest position, the downward movement width of the sub headlight light source is small. That is, in the process of increasing the lean angle, when the sub headlight light source first moves from the upright position to the highest position and further moves the same distance to the lean side, the height of the sub headlight light source is increased. Returns to the upright position. During this time, the height of the sub headlight light source does not become lower than the height in the upright state, even though the lean angle increases. Also, the entire downward movement of the sub headlight light source is small in the entire process of increasing the lean angle.
Nevertheless, in the vehicle in Patent Document 1, a plurality of sub headlight light sources arranged on the side opposite to the lean direction are turned on sequentially from the lower side as the lean angle increases.
Therefore, the sub headlights that are turned on when the lean angle of the vehicle is small are positioned at a relatively low position when turned on, while the sub headlights that are turned on when the lean angle of the vehicle is large are located at a relatively high position when turned on. Become.
As a result, the difference in height of the sub headlight light source when each sub headlight light source is turned on is relatively large, and the difference in the irradiation angle of light from the sub headlight light source in the driver's field of view is relatively large. Become. As a result, the difference in the shape of the shadow that occurs when there is an obstacle (for example, undulation on the ground) increases, and the difference in the brightness of reflected light from the road surface and surrounding objects also increases. Further, when the light irradiation angle is different, the shape of the illumination range is likely to be different.

(Ii) By the way, the situation when a vehicle is cornering or turning an intersection is not always uniform, and there are various driving scenes.
For example, even on roads having the same radius of curve, there are vehicles that pass the curve at a relatively low speed and vehicles that pass at a relatively high speed. At this time, the lean angle changes more rapidly in the high-speed vehicle than in the low-speed vehicle. That is, even when the curves have the same radius, the amount of change in the lean angle per unit time varies depending on the vehicle speed.
Even when the vehicle is traveling at the same speed, the change in the lean angle is gentle for a curve with a large radius, whereas the change in the lean angle is abrupt for a curve with a small radius. Therefore, for example, when going through multiple curves with different radii on a touring on a mountain road, even if the speed is not changed much, the change in the lean angle per unit time for each curve The amount is different.
Thus, the amount of change in the lean angle per unit time varies depending on the driving scene. In the process in which the plurality of sub headlights are sequentially turned on as the lean angle of the vehicle body increases or decreases, the time interval at which each sub headlight is lit differs if the amount of change in the lean angle per unit time is different. For example, the larger the amount of change in the lean angle per unit time, the shorter the time interval for turning on each sub headlight.

  (Iii) When the sub headlight light source is turned on, the illumination range of the sub headlight light source newly appears in the driver's field of view. It is relatively easy to leave an impression. Therefore, for example, as described in (ii) above, under the circumstances where the time interval for turning on each sub headlight light source is short, as described in (i) above, the operation at the time of lighting each sub headlight light source is performed. When the state of the illumination range viewed from the driver increases, the state in the driver's field of view changes one after another within a short time. As a result, the driver may feel uncomfortable with the change in the state of the sub headlight light source in the field of view depending on the driving scene.

This invention is the invention completed based on the knowledge mentioned above, and employ | adopts the following structures.
(1) A sub headlight unit for a vehicle that turns in a lean position,
The sub headlight unit includes a plurality of sub headlight light sources for illuminating the vehicle width direction outward and forward of the vehicle on one side in the vehicle width direction,
Each of the plurality of sub headlight light sources is arranged to move downward from a position in the upright state of the vehicle as the vehicle inclines from the upright state to the one side, and the vehicle to the one side Lights according to different lean angles,
The sub headlight light source having a large lean angle of the vehicle when lit is positioned higher in the upright state of the vehicle than the sub headlight light source having a small lean angle of the vehicle when lit.

According to the configuration of (1), each of the plurality of sub headlight light sources for illuminating the vehicle width direction outward and forward of the vehicle on one side in the vehicle width direction is As the vehicle is tilted to the right, the vehicle moves downward from the upright position.
The sub headlight light source located at a high position in the upright state of the vehicle and the sub headlight light source located at a low position in the upright state of the vehicle move downward as the lean angle increases, but in the upright state of the vehicle The vertical movement width of the sub headlight light source located at the high position is larger than the vertical movement width of the sub headlight light source located at the low position in the upright state of the vehicle. Therefore, by turning on the sub headlight light sources in order from the lower position in the upright state of the vehicle in accordance with the increase in the lean angle, the difference in height when the sub headlight light sources are turned on can be reduced.
Further, in the vehicle shown in Patent Document 1, when the vehicle tilts from the upright state to one side, the vehicle is arranged so as to move upward from the position in the upright state of the vehicle, and the lower side as the lean angle increases. Lights in order from the sub headlight light source. Therefore, the lighting position of each sub headlight light source is gradually increased, and the difference in height when each sub headlight light source is turned on becomes large. On the other hand, in the configuration of (1), when the vehicle is tilted from the upright state to one side, it is arranged so as to move downward from the position in the upright state of the vehicle, and according to the increase in the lean angle. Lights in order from the lower sub headlight light source. Accordingly, when the lit sub headlight light source moves downward as the lean angle increases, the sub headlight light source at a higher position is lit. As a result, the difference in height when each sub headlight light source is turned on can be reduced.
Thereby, even if the amount of change in the lean angle per unit time is large and the time interval at which each sub headlight light source is turned on becomes short, the change in the state of the illumination range as viewed from the driver can be suppressed. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation in which the driver feels uncomfortable with the change in the illumination range of the sub headlight light source in the field of view depending on the driving scene.

(2) The sub headlight unit of (1),
The plurality of sub headlight light sources are arranged side by side,
In the upright state of the vehicle, the positions in the height direction of the sub headlight light sources arranged side by side partially coincide.

  According to the configuration of (2), since the difference in height when each sub headlight light source is turned on can be made smaller, the state of the sub headlight light source in the field of view depending on the driving scene when the sub headlight light source is turned on. It is possible to more effectively suppress the occurrence of an uncomfortable situation.

(3) The sub headlight unit according to (1) or (2),
The sub headlight light source located at the highest position in the upright state of the vehicle is located above a main headlight for illuminating the front front of the vehicle included in the vehicle in the upright state of the vehicle. .

  According to the configuration of (3), since the sub headlight light source that is turned on when the lean angle becomes large is located at a high position, it is possible to illuminate from a high position. As a result, it is possible to delay the timing at which the cut-off line approaches from the side of the vehicle according to the increase in the lean angle after the sub headlight light source is turned on, and to reduce the decrease in the illumination range according to the increase in the lean angle. Moreover, the illumination range can be easily set by illumination from a high position. Furthermore, the obstacle (for example, the undulation of the road surface) and the back side thereof are easily visible to the driver due to the illumination from a high position.

(4) The sub headlight unit according to any one of (1) to (3),
In the upright state of the vehicle, the position in the height direction of the plurality of sub headlight light sources is the position in the height direction of the main headlight light source for illuminating the front front of the vehicle included in the vehicle, Match in whole or in part.

  According to the configuration of (4), the main headlight light source and the sub headlight light source can be installed at relatively high positions, so that illumination from a high position is possible. As a result, the timing at which the cut-off line approaches from the side of the vehicle can be delayed according to the increase in the lean angle, and the reduction in the illumination range according to the increase in the lean angle can be reduced. Moreover, the illumination range can be easily set by illumination from a high position. Furthermore, the obstacle (for example, the undulation of the road surface) and the back side thereof are easily visible to the driver due to the illumination from a high position.

(5) The sub headlight unit according to any one of (1) to (4),
In the front view with respect to the vehicle in an upright state, the position where each of the plurality of sub headlight light sources is provided is shifted in the vehicle width direction,
The sub headlight light source having a large lean angle of the vehicle when lit up is located at a position outside and higher in the vehicle width direction in the upright state of the vehicle than the sub headlight light source having a small lean angle of the vehicle when lit. To position.

  According to the configuration of (5), since the difference in height when each sub headlight light source is turned on can be made smaller, the driver feels uncomfortable with changes in the illumination range of the sub headlight light source in the field of view depending on the driving scene. It is possible to more effectively suppress the occurrence of the situation of remembering.

(6) The sub headlight unit according to any one of (1) to (5),
Each of the cut-off lines of the plurality of sub headlight light sources in a front view when the vehicle is in an upright state is entirely or partially included in a space above the horizontal line,
In the upright state of the vehicle, the inclination angle of the sub headlight light source located at a high position with respect to the horizontal line of the cutoff line is larger than the inclination angle of the sub headlight light source located at a low position with respect to the horizontal line of the cutoff line.

  According to the configuration of (6), since the difference in inclination angle with respect to the horizontal line of the cut-off line when each sub headlight light source is turned on can be reduced, the driver can change the state of the sub headlight light source in the field of view depending on the driving scene. Occurrence of an uncomfortable situation can be more effectively suppressed.

(7) A sub headlight system for a vehicle that turns in a lean position,
The sub headlight system includes:
Any one of the sub headlight units of (1) to (6);
A detection unit for detecting a variable for obtaining a lean angle of the vehicle;
A control unit that turns on the plurality of sub headlight light sources according to a lean angle of the vehicle obtained based on a detection result by the detection unit.

  According to the configuration of (7), it is possible to realize an AFS (Adaptive Front-Lighting System) that can suppress the driver from feeling uncomfortable with the change in the illumination range in the process of increasing or decreasing the lean angle of the vehicle body.

(8) A vehicle that turns in a lean position,
The vehicle includes the system (7).

  According to the configuration of (8), it is possible to prevent the driver from feeling uncomfortable with the change in the illumination range in the process of increasing or decreasing the lean angle of the vehicle body.

  The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments of the present invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, in the process in which the lean angle of a vehicle body increases or decreases, it can suppress that a driver | operator feels strange about the change of an illumination range.

1 is a partially enlarged front view schematically showing a motorcycle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a partially enlarged left side view of the motorcycle shown in Fig. 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration relating to a sub headlight light source in the motorcycle shown in FIG. 1. (A) is a front view schematically showing an optical axis and a cut-off line of a sub headlight light source of a motorcycle in an upright state, and (b) is an optical axis of a sub headlight light source of a motorcycle in a lean position and It is a front view which shows a cut-off line typically. (A)-(c) is a figure for demonstrating an example of the process in which a some sub headlight light source lights in order according to the increase in the lean angle to the left direction of a motorcycle. FIG. 3 is a front view schematically showing the motorcycle in a process in which a plurality of sub headlight light sources are turned on in accordance with an increase in the lean angle in the left direction of the motorcycle. (A)-(d) is the elements on larger scale which show typically the motorcycle concerning other embodiments of the present invention. (A)-(f) is the elements on larger scale which show typically the motorcycle concerning other embodiments of the present invention. (A)-(d) is the elements on larger scale which show typically the motorcycle concerning other embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a partially enlarged front view schematically showing a motorcycle according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged left side view of the motorcycle shown in FIG.
The motorcycle 10 is an example of a vehicle that turns in a lean position according to the present invention. In the present invention, the vehicle turning in a lean position is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include straddle-type vehicles such as motorcycles, motor tricycles, snowmobiles, and ATVs (all-terrain vehicles). In the following description, “front and rear” is based on the traveling direction of the vehicle, “up and down” is based on the vertical direction of the vehicle, and “left and right” is based on the driver.

  The motorcycle 10 includes a handle 12. An operation switch 15 is installed on the left side of the handle 12 in the vehicle width direction. The operation switch 15 includes a beam changeover switch 15B and a flasher switch 15F (see FIG. 3). A steering shaft (not shown) is fixed to the center portion of the handle 12 in the vehicle width direction. The steering shaft passes through a head pipe (not shown) and extends downward. A front fork 17 is installed on the lower end side of the steering shaft. A front wheel (see FIG. 6) is rotatably supported on the lower end side of the front fork 17. The head pipe is a member constituting the body frame. In the present invention, the body frame is not particularly limited, and a conventionally known configuration can be adopted.

  The front cover 18 is installed in front of the head pipe through which the steering shaft is inserted. The front cover 18 is located at the center of the motorcycle 10 in the vehicle width direction. A main headlight light source 11 is installed in the front cover 18. In this embodiment, although not shown in FIG. 1, the main headlight light source 11 includes a high beam light source 11H (traveling headlight) and a low beam light source 11L (passing headlight). The high beam light source 11H illuminates the front side of the motorcycle 10 in the horizontal direction or above the horizontal direction. The low beam light source 11L illuminates the front front of the motorcycle 10 downward from the horizontal direction.

The motorcycle 10 includes two light distribution variable sub headlight units 13L and 13R. The sub headlight units 13L and 13R are installed on each side in the vehicle width direction.
The sub headlight unit 13L includes a plurality of sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc. The sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc are arranged in order from the center side in the vehicle width direction toward the upper left side. That is, the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc are arranged in this order from the lower side.
The plurality of sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc are arranged adjacent to each other. The sub headlight light sources 13La and 13Lb are adjacent to each other, and the sub headlight light sources 13Lb and 13Lc are adjacent to each other. In the upright state of the motorcycle 10, the positions in the height direction of the sub headlight light sources arranged next to each other partially coincide. The plurality of sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc are arranged so as to form a convex arc on the lower outer side (lower left). Further, the illumination ranges of the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc are arranged in order from the center side in the vehicle width direction to the upper left side, and overlap each other.
The sub headlight unit 13R includes a plurality of sub headlight light sources 13Ra, 13Rb, and 13Rc. The sub headlight light sources 13Ra, 13Rb, and 13Rc are arranged in order from the center side in the vehicle width direction to the upper right side. That is, the sub headlight light sources 13Ra, 13Rb, and 13Rc are arranged in this order from the lower side.
The plurality of sub headlight light sources 13Ra, 13Rb, and 13Rc are arranged adjacent to each other. The sub headlight light sources 13Ra and 13Rb are adjacent to each other, and the sub headlight light sources 13Rb and 13Rc are adjacent to each other. In the upright state of the motorcycle 10, the positions in the height direction of the sub headlight light sources arranged next to each other partially coincide. The plurality of sub headlight light sources 13Ra, 13Rb, and 13Rc are arranged so as to form a convex arc on the lower outer side (lower right side). Further, the illumination ranges of the sub headlight light sources 13Ra, 13Rb, and 13Rc are arranged in order from the center side in the vehicle width direction toward the upper right side, and overlap each other.
Each of the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, 13Lc, 13Ra, 13Rb, and 13Rc has a shape extending from the vehicle width direction inner side and the lower side to the vehicle width direction outer side and the upper side. The longitudinal sides of the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc are along the arrangement direction of the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc. The lateral sides of the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc face each other.
The optical axes of the sub headlight light sources 13La to 13Lc and 13Ra to 13Rc are fixed and do not move according to the lean angle. A reflector (not shown) of the sub headlight light source is also fixed and does not move according to the lean angle. In the present embodiment, the sub headlight light source is not particularly limited, and for example, an LED can be used. In addition, a monofocus light source can be used as the sub headlight light source. The arrangement of the sub headlight light sources 13La to 13Lc and 13Ra to 13Rc in the motorcycle 10 is an example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this example.

  In the upright state of the motorcycle 10 (see FIGS. 1 and 2), the sub headlight light sources 13Lc and 13Rc located at the highest position among the plurality of sub headlight light sources 13La to 13Lc and 13Ra to 13Rc are the main heads. It is located above the light source 11. Thereby, since each sub headlight light source 13La-13Lc, 13Ra-13Rc can be maintained in a comparatively high position, it can suppress further more effectively that a driver feels uncomfortable about the change of an illumination range.

In the upright state of the motorcycle 10 (see FIG. 2), the plurality of sub headlight light sources 13La to 13Lc are located behind the main headlight light source 11.
Further, in the upright state of the motorcycle 10 (see FIGS. 1 and 2), the positions of the plurality of sub headlight light sources 13La to 13Lc and 13Ra to 13Rc in the height direction are the positions of the main headlight light source 11 in the height direction. And partially matches. The present invention is not limited to this example, and the positions of the plurality of sub headlight light sources 13La to 13Lc and 13Ra to 13Rc in the height direction are generally the same as the positions of the main headlight light source 11 in the height direction. You may do it.
Furthermore, in a front view (see FIG. 1) with respect to the motorcycle 10 in an upright state, the positions of the plurality of sub headlight light sources 13La to 13Lc and 13Ra to 13Rc are shifted in the vehicle width direction.

  The front end of the front cover 18 in the vehicle front-rear direction is located on the center side of the motorcycle 10. The front cover 18 has a curved surface that extends from the center side in the vehicle width direction and from the front side to the outside in the vehicle width direction and to the rear side and swells outward. The sub headlight light sources 13La to 13Lc and 13Ra to 13Rc are arranged along the curved surface of the front cover 18.

  The optical axes of the sub headlight light sources 13La to 13Lc and 13Ra to 13Rc are fixed and do not move according to the lean angle. A reflector (not shown) of the sub headlight light source is also fixed and does not move according to the lean angle. In the present embodiment, the sub headlight light source is not particularly limited, and for example, an LED can be used. In addition, a monofocus light source can be used as the sub headlight light source. The arrangement of the sub headlight light sources 13La to 13Lc and 13Ra to 13Rc in the motorcycle 10 is an example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this example.

  Further, flashers 14L and 14R as direction indicators are installed on each side of the motorcycle 10 in the vehicle width direction.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the basic configuration of the sub headlight light source in the motorcycle shown in FIG.

  The operation switch 15 includes a beam changeover switch 15B and a flasher switch 15F. The beam changeover switch 15B is connected to the high beam light source 11H and the low beam light source 11L constituting the main headlight light source 11. When the driver operates the beam changeover switch 15B, the high beam light source 11H and the low beam light source 11L are switched on / off according to the operation content of the beam changeover switch 15B.

  The flasher switch 15F is connected to the flashers 14L and 14R. When the driver operates the flasher switch 15F, one of the flashers 14L and 14R blinks in accordance with the operation content of the flasher switch 15F.

  The motorcycle 10 is provided with a lean angle sensor 22 and a vehicle speed sensor 23. In the present embodiment, the lean angle sensor 22 is a gyro sensor that detects an angular velocity around the longitudinal axis of the motorcycle 10, and a signal indicating the detected angular velocity (roll rate) around the longitudinal axis is sent to the controller 20. Supply. The vehicle speed sensor 23 detects the vehicle speed and supplies a signal indicating the detected vehicle speed to the controller 20. During traveling, the controller 20 calculates the lean angle of the motorcycle 10 based on the angular velocity around the longitudinal axis and the vehicle speed at every predetermined timing.

  In this embodiment, the lean angle is calculated by integrating the roll rate with time and using the vehicle speed as correction information. However, the lean angle calculation method in the present invention is not limited to this example. Further, the vehicle speed is not an essential variable in calculating the lean angle. As a method for calculating the lean angle, a conventionally known method can be used. For example, the lean angle can be calculated based on a steady suspension equation using a yaw rate (an angular velocity around an axis in the vertical direction) and a vehicle speed. Further, the correction information is not limited to the vehicle speed. For example, a plurality of gyro sensors and a G sensor can be installed, and values obtained from these sensors and the vehicle speed can be used as correction information. Further, instead of the vehicle speed, GPS position information and / or geomagnetic information can also be used as correction information. Sensors (detection unit) for detecting a variable used for obtaining a lean angle are not particularly limited, and can be appropriately set according to a variable used for calculation.

  The controller 20 includes a memory (not shown). The memory uses a plurality of reference values (°) for comparison with the lean angle as data. In the present embodiment, the memory stores three reference values. The reference values are different from each other, and are associated with the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc, respectively. Each reference value increases in the order of the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc.

When the lean angle in the left direction of the motorcycle 10 is greater than or equal to the reference value, the controller 20 associates the reference value among the sub headlight light sources 13La to 13Lc on the same side as the lean direction of the motorcycle 10. Turn on the sub headlight light source. On the other hand, when the lean angle is less than the reference value, the sub headlight light source is turned off. Since each reference value increases in the order of the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc, the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc are lit in this order in the process of increasing the lean angle. In the process of decreasing the lean angle, the sub headlight light sources 13Lc, 13Lb, and 13La are turned off in this order.
The sub headlight light sources 13Ra, 13Rb, and 13Rc are also associated with reference values in the same manner as the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc.

  Sub headlight light sources 13La to 13Lc and 13Ra to 13Rc are connected to the controller 20. The power source 26 is connected to the high beam light source 11H and the low beam light source 11L via the beam changeover switch 15B. The power source 26 is connected to the flashers 14L and 14R via the flasher switch 15F. The power source 26 is connected to the controller 20. The controller 20 is connected to an answerback body unit 21. The answerback body unit 21 receives signal radio waves from the remote control key 25.

FIG. 4A is a front view schematically showing the optical axis and cut-off line of the sub headlight light source of the motorcycle in the upright state, and FIG. 4B is the light of the sub headlight light source of the motorcycle in the lean position. It is a front view which shows an axis | shaft and a cut-off line typically.
As shown in FIG. 4A, the motorcycle 10 stands upright with respect to the flat ground G. The optical axis A ₀ of the low beam light source 11L is located below the horizontal line H of the low beam light source 11L. Cut-off line L of the low beam light source 11L ₀ is located above the optical axis A _0, and is located below the horizontal line H of the low beam light source 11L, and extends to the left and right along the vehicle width direction. The illumination range of the low beam light source 11L is included on each of the left and right sides in the vehicle width direction.

Optical axis _AL 1 _~AL sub headlight light sources 13La to 13Lc ₃ is in the order of the optical axis _AL 1 _{~AL 3,} located outside in the vehicle width direction. Of the sub headlight light source 13La~13Lc optical axis _AL 1 _{~AL 3} is positioned above the optical axis _{A 0} of the low beam light source 11L.

The cut-off lines LL _{1 to} LL ₃ of the sub headlight light sources 13La to 13Lc are entirely included in a space above the horizontal line H.
Inclination angle theta ₁ through? ₃ of the cut-off line _LL 1 _{~LL 3} of the sub headlight light source 13La~13Lc is greater in the order of the inclination angle theta ₁ through? _3.
Inclination angle theta ₁ through? Cutoff line _LL 1 _{~LL 3} of the sub headlight light source 13La to 13Lc ₃ is from ₁ to 0 ° theta, theta _2, are determined at intervals in the order of theta _3. The interval between 0 ° and θ ₁ is θ ₁ . When the interval between θ ₂ and θ ₁ is θ ₂ ′, and the interval between θ ₃ and θ ₂ is θ ₃ ′, the intervals θ ₁ , θ ₂ ′, and θ ₃ ′ are θ ₁ = θ ₂ '= Θ ₃ ' is satisfied. That is, the intervals (θ ₁ , θ ₂ ′, θ ₃ ′) are equal intervals. The intervals in the present invention are not limited to this example. For example, the intervals θ ₁ , θ ₂ ′, and θ ₃ ′ may have a relationship of θ ₁ > θ ₂ ′> θ ₃ ′.

In the present embodiment, the reference values (°) at which the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc are lit are set to θ ₁ , θ ₂ , and θ ₃ , respectively. Therefore, when the motorcycle 10 is running in an upright state (θ = 0), the sub headlight light sources 13La to 13Lc and 13Ra to 13Rc are not turned on. As shown in FIG. 4 (b), when the motorcycle 10 is lean angle inclined in the vehicle width direction on one side (in FIG. 4 left) reaches theta _1, the lean angle of the motorcycle 10 reaches the reference value Therefore, the sub headlight light source 13La installed on the same side (left side) as the lean direction of the motorcycle 10 is turned on. At this time, the cut-off line LL ₁ is horizontal. Then, with an increase in the lean angle, the lean angle reaches theta _2, the sub headlight light source 13Lb lights, cut-off line LL ₂ of the time that is horizontal. Thereafter, when the lean angle reaches θ ₃ as the lean angle increases, the sub headlight light source 13Lc is turned on, and the cut-off line LL ₃ at that time becomes horizontal.
Inclination angle of the cut-off line of the sub headlight light sources _{(13La~13Lc) (LL 1 ~LL 3} ) and (θ ₁ ~θ _3), the reference value set to each of the sub headlight light sources (13La to 13Lc) The relationship is not limited to this example. Both numerical values (angles) may be different. The fact that both numerical values are the same includes that both numerical values are substantially the same.

Although not shown in FIG. 4, the cut-off lines LL _{1 to} LL ₃ of the sub headlight light sources 13La to 13Lc are the upper edges of the illumination ranges of the sub headlight light sources 13La to 13Lc, respectively. below the cut-off line _LL 1 _{~LL 3} of ～13Lc, illumination range of the sub headlight light source 13La~13Lc is located. Accordingly, the illumination range of the sub headlight light sources 13La to 13Lc includes a space above the horizontal line H, and is positioned upward in the order of the sub headlight light sources 13La to 13Lc. The illumination range of the sub headlight light sources 13La to 13Lc is located on the left side in the vehicle width direction.
The sub headlight light sources 13Ra to 13Rc are the same as the sub headlight light sources 13La to 13Lc except that they are bilaterally symmetric with the sub headlight light sources 13La to 13Lc described above, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

In the present invention, the optical axis is a straight line passing through the light source and the center of the maximum illuminance portion of the irradiated light. The center of the maximum illuminance portion of the irradiation light can be specified by installing a screen in front of the light source and illuminating the screen from the light source. The screen illuminance test can be performed by a method defined in JIS D1619. Further, the cut-off line and the illumination range of the predetermined illuminance can also be specified based on the result of the above screen illuminance test (for example, an isoilluminance distribution diagram). Further, the cut-off line in plan view and the illumination range with a predetermined illuminance can be specified based on the road surface light distribution by converting the result of the screen illuminance into the road surface light distribution. Conversion to road surface light distribution can be performed by a conventionally known method. Specifically, the screen illuminance value can be converted to the road surface illuminance value by general drawing and geometric calculation. In that case, the following formula (I) can be used. In the following formula (I), D represents a light source, E represents a point on the road surface, and F represents an intersection of a screen installed between DE and a DE line.
Road surface illuminance (Lx) = screen illuminance (Lx) × [(distance between DF (m)) / (distance between DE (m))] ² (I)

  FIGS. 5A to 5C are diagrams for explaining an example of a process in which a plurality of sub headlight light sources are sequentially turned on in accordance with an increase in the lean angle in the left direction of the motorcycle.

In the process of increasing the lean angle in the left direction of the motorcycle 10, first, when the lean angle is equal to or larger than the minimum reference value (θ ₁ ), the lowermost sub headlight light source 13Ra is turned on (see FIG. 5 (a)).
Next, when the lean angle is equal to or larger than the next smallest reference value (θ ₂ ), the sub headlight light source 13Rb positioned next is turned on (FIG. 5B).
Subsequently, when the lean angle is equal to or larger than the largest reference value (θ ₃ ), the sub headlight light source 13Rc located on the uppermost side is turned on (FIG. 5C).
As described above, in the motorcycle 10, the sub headlight light source 13Lb having a large lean angle of the motorcycle 10 when turned on is more motorcycle than the sub headlight light source 13La having a small lean angle of the motorcycle 10 when turned on. It is located at a high position in 10 upright states. The same applies to the relationship between the sub headlight light sources 13Lb and 13Lc. As a result, in the motorcycle 10, as the lean angle increases, the sub headlight light source that is positioned on the lower side in the upright state is turned on sequentially. As a result, even if the amount of change in the lean angle per unit time is large and the time interval during which each sub headlight light source 13La, 13Lb, 13Lc is turned on becomes short, the change in the state of the illumination range as seen by the driver is suppressed. it can. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation in which the driver feels uncomfortable with the change in the illumination range of the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc in the field of view depending on the traveling scene.

Further, in the motorcycle 10, since the sub headlight light source located on the lower side is located on the inner side in the vehicle width direction, from the sub headlight light source 13La located on the inner side in the vehicle width direction as the lean angle increases. Lights up sequentially. Thereby, the difference of the height at the time of lighting of each sub headlight light source 13La, 13Lb, 13Lc can be made smaller. As a result, it is possible to more effectively suppress the occurrence of a situation in which the user feels uncomfortable with changes in the state of the illumination range in the field of view depending on the traveling scene.
The same applies to the lighting of the sub headlight light sources 13Ra to 13Rc in the process of increasing the lean angle in the right direction of the motorcycle 10.

FIG. 6 is a front view schematically showing the motorcycle in a process in which a plurality of sub headlight light sources are turned on in accordance with an increase in the lean angle in the left direction of the motorcycle.
In FIG. 6, the motorcycle 10 leans leftward with the front wheel 16 in contact with the grounding position X of the ground G.
First, in the upright state, the center line Y ₀ of the motorcycle 10 is perpendicular to the ground G. The center line Y ₀ is a line extending vertically through the center in the vehicle width direction of the motorcycle 10 in an upright state.

When the lean angle in the left direction of the motorcycle 10 reaches theta _1, sub headlight light source 13La is turned. At this time, the center line _{Y 0} is moved to the _{Y 1.} The height of the sub headlight light source 13La to light at this time is Z _1.
When the lean angle in the left direction of the motorcycle 10 reaches theta _2, the sub headlight light source 13Lb is turned. At this time, the center line _{Y 1} is moving in _{Y 2.} The height of the sub headlight light source 13Lb to light at this time is Z _2.
When the lean angle in the left direction of the motorcycle 10 reaches theta _3, the sub headlight light source 13Lc is turned. At this time, the center line _{Y 2} is moved in the _{Y 3.} The height of the sub headlight light source 13Lc to light at this time is Z _3.

As described above, in FIG. 6, the heights Z ₁ , Z ₂ , and Z _{3 of} the sub headlight light sources 13La to 13Lc that are turned on decrease as the lean angle of the motorcycle 10 toward the left increases. _{Z 1> Z 2> Z 3} ). However, in the motorcycle 10, when the position of the sub headlight light sources 13La to 13Lc moves downward in the process of increasing the lean angle, the sub headlight light sources 13La to 13Lc are lit in order from the lower side. The difference in height of the sub headlight light source when the light light source is turned on can be reduced.

  The sub headlight units 13L and 13R and the motorcycle 10 have been described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, but the present invention is not limited to the examples illustrated in FIGS.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
7 to 9, the same components as those shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. Also, in the example shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, as in the example shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the sub head that illuminates the left front according to the increase in the lean angle in the left direction of the motorcycle 10. The light light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc are lit in this order, and the sub headlight light sources 13Ra, 13Rb, and 13Rc that illuminate rightward in accordance with the increase of the lean angle in the right direction of the motorcycle 10 are lit in this order. To do. In addition, since the sub headlight light source is arrange | positioned left-right symmetrically, suppose that only the one side (left side) is demonstrated in the following description except FIG. 9 (a), (b).

In FIG. 7, as in the example shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, as the lean angle increases, a plurality of sub headlight light sources are moved from the sub headlight light sources positioned on the inner side and the lower side in the vehicle width direction. An example of lighting in the order of the sub headlight light sources positioned on the outer side and the upper side in the direction will be described.
FIGS. 7A to 7D are partially enlarged front views schematically showing a motorcycle according to another embodiment of the present invention.

In the example shown in FIG. 7A, the motorcycle 10 includes a two-lamp main headlight light source 11, and each main headlight light source 11 is disposed on each of the left and right sides of the front surface of the front cover 18. . Sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc are arranged above the main headlight light source 11 on the left side.
The sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc are arranged in order from the vehicle width direction inner side and the lower side to the vehicle width direction outer side and the upper side. The installation positions of the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc are shifted in the vehicle width direction. The sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc are arranged so as to form a convex arc downward and outward. The sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc are arranged to be adjacent to each other, and the positions of the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc that are adjacent to each other partially coincide with each other.
All of the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc are located above the main headlight light source 11 and are disposed along the upper edge of the main headlight light source 11.
Each of the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc has a shape that extends from the vehicle width direction inner side and the lower side to the vehicle width direction outer side and the upper side. The longitudinal sides of the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc are along the arrangement direction of the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc. The lateral sides of the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc face each other.

In the example shown in FIG. 7B, the single-lamp main headlight light source 11 is disposed in the center portion of the front surface of the front cover 18.
The sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc are arranged in order from the vehicle width direction inner side and the lower side to the vehicle width direction outer side and the upper side. The installation positions of the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc are shifted in the vehicle width direction. The sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc are arranged so as to form a convex arc downward and outward. The sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc are arranged to be adjacent to each other, and the positions of the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc that are adjacent to each other partially coincide with each other.
The sub headlight light source 13La located at the lowermost position is located below the main headlight light source 11. The position of the uppermost sub headlight light source 13Lc in the height direction partially matches the position of the main headlight light source 11 in the height direction. The sub headlight light source 13Lc located on the outermost side is located on the outer side in the vehicle width direction with respect to the main headlight light source 11.
Each of the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc has a shape that extends from the vehicle width direction inner side and the lower side to the vehicle width direction outer side and the upper side. The longitudinal sides of the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc are along the arrangement direction of the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc. The lateral sides of the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc face each other.

In the example shown in FIG. 7C, the motorcycle 10 includes a two-lamp main headlight light source 11, and each main headlight light source 11 is disposed on each of the left and right sides of the front surface of the front cover 18. . Sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc are arranged outside (left side) of the left main headlight light source 11.
The sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc are arranged in order from the vehicle width direction inner side and the lower side to the vehicle width direction outer side and the upper side. The sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc overlap in the vertical direction.
The uppermost sub headlight light source 13 </ b> Lc is located above the main headlight light source 11. The position in the height direction of the lowermost sub headlight light source 13La partially matches the position in the height direction of the main headlight light source.
Each of the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc has a shape that extends from the vehicle width direction inner side and the lower side to the vehicle width direction outer side and the upper side. The longitudinal sides of the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc face each other in the vertical direction.

In the example shown in FIG. 7D, the motorcycle 10 includes a two-lamp main headlight light source 11, and each main headlight light source 11 is disposed on each of the left and right sides of the front surface of the front cover 18. . Sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc are arranged above the main headlight light source 11 on the left side.
The sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc are arranged in order from the vehicle width direction inner side and the lower side to the vehicle width direction outer side and the upper side. The installation positions of the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc are shifted in the vehicle width direction. The sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc are arranged so as to form an upward and inward convex arc. The sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc are arranged to be adjacent to each other, and the positions of the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc that are adjacent to each other partially coincide with each other.
All of the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc are located above the main headlight light source 11.
Each of the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc has a shape extending from the vehicle width direction outer side and the lower side to the vehicle width direction inner side and the upper side. The longitudinal sides of the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, 13Lc face each other in the vehicle width direction. The lateral sides of the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc are along the arrangement direction of the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc.

In FIG. 8, according to the increase in the lean angle, the plurality of sub headlight light sources are arranged in the order of the sub headlight light source located on the vehicle width direction outer side and the lower side to the vehicle head width direction inner side and the upper side. An example of lighting will be described.
FIGS. 8A to 8F are partially enlarged front views schematically showing a motorcycle according to another embodiment of the present invention.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 8A, the single-lamp main headlight light source 11 is disposed in the center portion of the front surface of the front cover 18.
The sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc are arranged on the outer upper side of the main headlight light source 11 in the order of the vehicle width direction outer side and the lower side to the vehicle width direction inner side and the upper side.
Each of the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc has a shape that extends from the vehicle width direction inner side and the lower side to the vehicle width direction outer side and the upper side. The lateral sides of the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc are along the arrangement direction of the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc. The longitudinal side sides of the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc face each other.

In the example shown in FIG. 8B, the single-lamp main headlight light source 11 is disposed in the center portion of the front surface of the front cover 18.
The sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc are arranged on the outer upper side of the main headlight light source 11 in the order of the vehicle width direction outer side and the lower side to the vehicle width direction inner side and the upper side. The sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc are arranged to form a convex arc upward and outward.
Each of the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc has a shape that extends from the vehicle width direction inner side and the lower side to the vehicle width direction outer side and the upper side. The lateral sides of the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc are along the arrangement direction of the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc. The longitudinal side sides of the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc face each other.

In the example shown in FIG. 8C, the single-lamp main headlight light source 11 is disposed in the central portion of the front surface of the front cover 18.
The sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc are arranged on the left side of the main headlight light source 11 in order from the vehicle width direction outer side and the lower side to the vehicle width direction inner side and the upper side.
Each of the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc has a shape that extends from the vehicle width direction inner side and the lower side to the vehicle width direction outer side and the upper side. The lateral sides of the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc are along the arrangement direction of the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc. The longitudinal side sides of the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc face each other.

In the example shown in FIG. 8D, the motorcycle 10 includes a two-lamp main headlight light source 11, and each main headlight light source 11 is disposed on each of the left and right sides of the front surface of the front cover 18. .
The sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc are arranged above the main headlight light source 11 in order from the vehicle width direction outer side and the lower side to the vehicle width direction inner side and the upper side.
Each of the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc has a shape that extends from the vehicle width direction inner side and the lower side to the vehicle width direction outer side and the upper side. The inclination angles of the side edges in the longitudinal direction of the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc are different from each other. The inclination angle of the longitudinal side edge of the sub headlight light source located on the upper side is larger than the inclination angle of the longitudinal side edge of the sub headlight light source located on the lower side.

In the example shown in FIG. 8 (e), the single-lamp main headlight light source 11 is arranged at the center of the front surface of the front cover 18. The upper edge of the main headlight light source 11 is an upwardly convex curve (arc).
The sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc are arranged along the upper edge of the main headlight light source 11 in order from the vehicle width direction outer side and the lower side to the vehicle width direction inner side and the upper side on one side in the vehicle width direction. ing. The sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc are arranged to form a convex arc upward and outward.
Each of the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc has a shape extending from the vehicle width direction outer side and the lower side to the vehicle width direction inner side and the upper side. The longitudinal sides of the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc are along the arrangement direction of the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc. The lateral sides of the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc face each other.

In the example shown in FIG. 8 (f), the motorcycle 10 includes a two-lamp main headlight light source 11, and each main headlight light source 11 is disposed on each of the left and right sides of the front surface of the front cover 18. .
The sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc are arranged on the outer upper side of the main headlight light source 11 in the order of the vehicle width direction outer side and the lower side to the vehicle width direction inner side and the upper side.
Each of the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc has a shape that extends from the vehicle width direction inner side and the lower side to the vehicle width direction outer side and the upper side. The lateral sides of the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc are along the arrangement direction of the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc. The longitudinal side sides of the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc face each other.

FIG. 9 shows an example in which a plurality of sub headlight light sources arranged so as to overlap in the vertical direction in front view of the motorcycle 10 are sequentially turned on from the sub headlight light sources positioned below as the lean angle increases. explain.
FIGS. 9A to 9D are partially enlarged front views schematically showing a motorcycle according to another embodiment of the present invention.

In the example shown in FIG. 9A, the motorcycle 10 includes a two-lamp main headlight light source 11, and each main headlight light source 11 is disposed on each of the left and right sides of the front surface of the front cover 18. .
Between the left and right main headlight light sources 11, sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc that illuminate left front and sub headlight light sources 13Ra, 13Rb, and 13Rc that illuminate right front are alternately arranged in order from the bottom. It is one row in the vertical direction.

In the example shown in FIG. 9B, the motorcycle 10 includes a two-lamp main headlight light source 11, and each main headlight light source 11 is disposed on each of the left and right sides of the front surface of the front cover 18. .
Between the left and right main headlight light sources 11, sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc that illuminate left front form one row in the vertical direction on the left side, and sub headlight light sources 13Ra and 13Rb that illuminate right front. , 13Rc form a row on the right side in the vertical direction.

In the example shown in FIG. 9C, the motorcycle 10 includes a two-lamp main headlight light source 11 composed of a high beam light source 11H and a low beam light source 11L, and the low beam light source 11L and the high beam light source 11H are in the vertical direction. Is arranged. In this embodiment, the low beam light source 11L is positioned on the lower side, but the high beam light source 11H may be positioned on the lower side.
A plurality of sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc are arranged on the left side of the main headlight light sources 11 arranged in the vertical direction so as to form a line in the vertical direction. The main headlight light source 11 and the sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc are adjacent to each other in the vehicle width direction.

In the example shown in FIG. 9D, the single-lamp main headlight light source 11 is installed in the center portion of the front surface of the front cover 18.
A plurality of sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc are arranged radially from the main headlight light source 11. The sub headlight light sources 13La, 13Lb, and 13Lc are arranged in this order from the bottom. Specifically, the sub headlight light source 13La is located on the lower left side of the main headlight light source 11, the sub headlight light source 13Lb is located on the left side of the main headlight light source 11, and the sub headlight light source 13Lc is the main head light source. It is located on the upper left side of the light source 11.

  The motorcycle 10 of the present embodiment includes two sub headlight units 13L and 13R installed on each side in the vehicle width direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the sub headlight units 13L and 13R installed on each side in the vehicle width direction may be integrally formed, thereby constituting one sub headlight unit.

  In the present invention, the sub headlight unit may be physically formed integrally, and a plurality of sub headlight light sources provided in the sub headlight unit may be physically separated.

  In the present embodiment, the sub headlight units 13L and 13R are separate from the main headlight light source 11. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the sub headlight unit may be integrated with the main headlight. In this case, the sub headlight unit includes a main headlight.

  In the embodiment described above, the case where there are three sub headlight light sources that illuminate on one side in the vehicle width direction has been described. However, in the present invention, the number of sub headlight light sources that illuminate on one side in the vehicle width direction may be plural. What is necessary is not necessarily limited to three.

  The lean angle sensor 22 and the vehicle speed sensor 23 correspond to a detection unit for detecting a variable used for obtaining the lean angle of the motorcycle 10. In the present embodiment, the detection unit includes the lean angle sensor 22 and the vehicle speed sensor 23, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the detection unit includes the lean angle sensor 22, while the vehicle speed sensor 23 may not be provided. The controller 20 corresponds to a control unit in the present invention. However, the hardware configuration in the present invention is not limited to this example. The control unit determines whether or not the lean angle of the motorcycle 10 has reached the reference value based on the variable detected by the detection unit. At this time, the control unit does not necessarily have to calculate the lean angle, and the specific processing content in the control unit is not particularly limited. For example, a table in which the angular speed (roll rate) and the vehicle speed are associated with the result of whether or not the lean angle has reached the first reference value is stored as data in the memory included in the controller 20 as the control unit. It may be. In this case, the control unit can determine whether the lean angle has reached the first reference value without referring to the table and calculating the lean angle based on the angular velocity and the vehicle speed.

  In the present embodiment, the lean angle is the inclination angle of the vehicle body to the inside of the curve based on the upright state (vertical direction), but the present invention is not limited to this example, and the lean angle is perpendicular to the road surface. It may be the inclination angle of the vehicle body to the inside of the curve with reference to the direction. As a measuring method and measuring device for the inclination angle of the vehicle body to the inside of the curve with respect to the direction perpendicular to the road surface, a conventionally known one can be adopted.

  Moreover, although this embodiment demonstrated the case where a sub headlight unit was a separate body from a control part (controller 20) and a detection part (lean angle sensor 22 and vehicle speed sensor 23), this invention is in this example. It is not limited. The sub headlight unit may include at least one of a control unit, a communication unit, and a detection unit.

In the present embodiment, the case where the sub headlight light source is turned on according to the lean angle has been described. However, in the present invention, the lighting function according to the lean angle of the sub headlight light source is manually turned on / off. It may be configured. Even in such a case, the sub headlight light source is not lit manually, but is lit according to the lean angle. On the other hand, the flasher is manually switched on / off. Thus, the sub headlight light source and the flasher are different.
Further, the sub headlight light source may be configured such that an instruction relating to turning on or off is manually input. In this case, when the instruction is not input, the sub headlight light source is turned on according to the lean angle, while when the instruction is input, the light is turned on or off according to the instruction. Even in this case, the sub headlight light source is different from the flasher because it has a function of lighting according to the lean angle.
In the present invention, the lighting of the sub headlight light source according to the lean angle is not necessarily limited to the case where the sub headlight light source is directly changed from the off state to the lighting state according to the lean angle. A case where the lighting state is gradually changed from the lighting state to the lighting state according to the corner may be included. In addition, the sub headlight light source is gradually changed from a light-off state to a light-on state according to the lean angle. Including the case of being changed. The lighting state is not limited to the all-light lighting state by the rated output, and may include a dimming lighting state controlled to an output less than the output in the all-light lighting state. In the all-light lighting state, lighting with an output exceeding the rated output (for example, maximum output) may be performed. Note that the output in the dimmed lighting state exceeds the output in the unlit state. The lighting of the sub headlight light source according to the lean angle may include the sub headlight light source having a predetermined brightness that is brighter than the extinguished state according to the lean angle.
That is, the lighting of the sub headlight light source according to the lean angle is not limited to the following (i), and may include the following (ii) to (iv).
(I) When the sub headlight light source is changed directly or gradually from the extinguished state to the all-light lit state according to the lean angle,
(Ii) When the sub headlight light source is changed directly or gradually from the extinguished state to the dimming lit state according to the lean angle,
(Iii) When the sub headlight light source is changed directly or gradually from the dimming lighting state to the all light lighting state according to the lean angle,
(Iv) When the sub headlight light source is changed directly or gradually from the first dimming lighting state to the second dimming lighting state according to the lean angle (however, in the second dimming lighting state The brightness is brighter than that of the first dimmed lighting state).
In addition, when the sub headlight light source is a light source (for example, LED) whose brightness is controlled by pulse width modulation control, the sub headlight light source is turned on according to the lean angle. The ratio may include continuously or gradually changing from 0 to a value exceeding 0 depending on the lean angle.

  In the present embodiment, it has been described that the sub headlight light source is turned on according to the lean angle. The sub headlight light source is turned on according to the lean angle in order to function as a light mainly for securing the field of view of the driver of the vehicle. Therefore, the sub headlight light source does not necessarily have to be turned on according to the lean angle under bright conditions such as daytime.

10 Motorcycle (vehicle leaning lean)
11 Main headlight light source 11H High beam light source 11L Low beam light source 12 Handle 13L, 13R Sub headlight unit 13La, 13Lb, 13Lc, 13Ra, 13Rb, 13Rc Sub headlight light source 14L, 14R Flasher 15 Operation switch 16 Front wheel 17 Front fork 18 Front cover 20 Controller 22 Attitude detection sensor 23 Vehicle speed sensor

Claims (8)

A sub headlight unit for a vehicle that turns in a lean position,
The sub headlight unit includes a plurality of sub headlight light sources for illuminating the vehicle width direction outward and forward of the vehicle on one side in the vehicle width direction,
Each of the plurality of sub headlight light sources is arranged to move downward from a position in the upright state of the vehicle as the vehicle inclines from the upright state to the one side, and the vehicle to the one side Lights according to different lean angles,
The sub headlight light source having a large lean angle of the vehicle when lit is positioned higher in the upright state of the vehicle than the sub headlight light source having a small lean angle of the vehicle when lit. The sub headlight unit according to claim 1,
The plurality of sub headlight light sources are arranged side by side,
In the upright state of the vehicle, the positions in the height direction of the sub headlight light sources arranged side by side partially coincide. The sub headlight unit according to claim 1 or 2,
The sub headlight light source located at the highest position in the upright state of the vehicle is located above a main headlight for illuminating the front front of the vehicle included in the vehicle in the upright state of the vehicle. . The sub headlight unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
In the upright state of the vehicle, the position in the height direction of the plurality of sub headlight light sources is the position in the height direction of the main headlight light source for illuminating the front front of the vehicle included in the vehicle, Match in whole or in part. The sub headlight unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
In the front view with respect to the vehicle in an upright state, the position where each of the plurality of sub headlight light sources is provided is shifted in the vehicle width direction,
The sub headlight light source having a large lean angle of the vehicle when lit up is located at a position outside and higher in the vehicle width direction in the upright state of the vehicle than the sub headlight light source having a small lean angle of the vehicle when lit. To position. The sub headlight unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
Each of the cut-off lines of the plurality of sub headlight light sources in a front view when the vehicle is in an upright state is entirely or partially included in a space above the horizontal line,
In the upright state of the vehicle, the inclination angle of the sub headlight light source located at a high position with respect to the horizontal line of the cutoff line is larger than the inclination angle of the sub headlight light source located at a low position with respect to the horizontal line of the cutoff line. A sub headlight system for a vehicle turning in a lean position,
The sub headlight system includes:
The sub headlight unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
A detection unit for detecting a variable for obtaining a lean angle of the vehicle;
A control unit that turns on the plurality of sub headlight light sources according to a lean angle of the vehicle obtained based on a detection result by the detection unit. A vehicle that turns in a lean position,
The vehicle includes the system according to claim 7.